The management of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science, and Technology in Ikere, Ekiti State, has refuted claims of an impending industrial crisis within the institution, stemming from the proscription of staff unions. According to reports, the university management had, in the previous year, issued a proscription of all staff unions within the institution.
Mr. Temitope Akinbisoye, the spokesperson for BOUESTI, clarified that on August 4, 2022, the three staff unions in the university—namely, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Research Institutes—were proscribed under the directives of the state government. This decision came in the wake of an assault on the Vice-Chancellor and the Bursar of the institution by some leaders of these unions, following the government’s review of appointments for the former Registrar and the University librarian.
In a statement titled ‘BOUESTI Debunks News of Looming Labour Crisis,’ released in Ado Ekiti, Mr. Akinbisoye further emphasized that this action was taken to curtail the activities of the unions, which were deemed detrimental to peace, progress, and development within the institution. The university’s legal counsel had already responded to a letter from SSANU’s legal representatives, addressing allegations of illegal proscription and the confiscation of union property, among other concerns.
Regarding the issue of union vehicles, BOUESTI clarified that it had instructed the proscribed unions to park their vehicles in the university’s vehicle pool for safety. This decision followed staff complaints that a few individuals had misappropriated the vehicles for personal use, falsely claiming to represent non-existent unions.
Akinbisoye vehemently asserted that the reports of an impending industrial crisis within the institution were baseless and an attempt to tarnish the university’s reputation. He stated, “BOUESTI is one of the most peaceful institutions in Nigeria, maintaining an unbroken academic calendar since its establishment in 2020.”
Furthermore, the spokesperson emphasized that the university’s doors remained open for discussions and advised the national leadership of SSANU to ensure that capable and visionary members assume leadership roles within BOUESTI as soon as the embargo on union activities is lifted. This suggestion aimed to prevent any further involvement of the association in activities that could lead to malfeasance.